Internet Gaming Regulation on the Autonomous Island of Anjouan
This page sets out the legal foundation, regulatory authority, and statutory basis under which internet gaming licences are issued and administered on the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, Union of the Comoros.
Regulatory Authority
Internet gaming in Anjouan is regulated pursuant to the laws of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, a constituent territory of the Union of the Comoros, operating within the constitutional framework established in 2001.
The competent regulatory authority for offshore financial and gaming activities in Anjouan is the Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority (AOFA).
Anjouan Licensing Services Inc. acts as the sole authorised licence administrator and official representative of the Anjouan Gaming Board, responsible for the administration, processing, and supervision of Internet Gaming Licences in accordance with applicable law and regulatory mandate.
Constitutional and Legislative Framework
Constitutional Authority
The regulatory powers of Anjouan derive from the Constitution of the Union of the Comoros (2001), which establishes a federal structure granting autonomous islands—including Anjouan—legislative authority over defined internal matters, including economic and regulatory affairs.
Primary Gaming and Offshore Legislation
The internet gaming regulatory framework in Anjouan is founded on legislation adopted in 2005, which remains in force and has not been repealed or superseded by subsequent federal law.
The principal instruments include:
- Anjouan Computer Gaming Licensing Act 2005
- Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority Act 2005
- Anjouan International Business Companies Act 2005
- Anjouan International Business Company Regulations 2005
- Anjouan Money Laundering (Prevention) Act 2005
These statutes collectively establish the legal basis for:
- The licensing of online gaming activities
- Regulatory supervision and enforcement
- Anti-money laundering and compliance obligations
- Corporate and operational oversight
An independent legal review confirms that these laws remain valid and operative under Anjouan and Union of Comoros law Legal Opinion-ALS 19092….
Validity of Anjouan Gaming Licences
An independent legal opinion issued on 19 September 2024 by a law firm regulated in England & Wales and Quebec (Canada), confirms that:
- The AOFA is the lawful regulatory authority for gaming in Anjouan
- Internet gaming licences issued under the Anjouan Computer Gaming Licensing Act 2005 are legally valid
- Such licences do not contain territorial restrictions under Anjouan law
- Licence holders may rely on these licences to offer online gaming services internationally, where not prohibited by applicable local law
The opinion further confirms that the Anjouan regulatory framework operates in accordance with recognised international regulatory standards of oversight Legal Opinion-ALS 19092….
International Context
On 21 August 2024, the Union of the Comoros acceded to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as its 165th member.
As a constituent territory of the Union of the Comoros, Anjouan may rely on WTO measures applicable to the cross-border supply of services, including gambling and betting services, between WTO member states, subject always to local prohibitions in receiving jurisdictions Legal Opinion-ALS 19092….
Regulatory Scope and Limitations
While Anjouan Internet Gaming Licences are legally valid under Anjouan and Comoros law:
- Licence holders must comply with all applicable laws in the jurisdictions in which they operate
- Anjouan Gaming licences do not override local prohibitions or regulatory requirements
- Operators remain solely responsible for geo-blocking, market access controls, and local compliance
Independent Legal Confirmation
The legal conclusions set out on this page are supported by a formal, written legal opinion prepared by a Solicitor (England & Wales) and Attorney (Quebec, Canada), following examination of the relevant legislation and enquiries with senior regulatory officials.
The opinion concludes that:
“Anjouan operates a robust regulatory regime for the supervision of online gambling and the AOFA adheres to international standards of oversight.” Legal Opinion-ALS 19092…
Regulatory Notice
This page is provided for informational purposes only.
Nothing herein constitutes legal, financial, or commercial advice, nor does it guarantee the approval of any licence application or regulatory request.